Combined closing and outlet cap for collapsible tubes



June 18, 1935. H. A. THORNTON COMBINED CLOSING AND OUTLET CAP FORCOLLAPSIBLE TUBES Filed June 4, 1934 F/il.

l As no 0 w 3 W1) ova "0'! Harry J. Thom ion Patented June 18, 1935UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE COMBINED CLOSING AND OUTLET CAP FORCOLLAPSIBLE TUBES 19 Claims.

This invention relates to a combined closing and outlet cap for thedischarge end of collapsible tubes of that type whereby the contentsthereof are discharged in ribbon-like-form, but it is to be understoodthat the cap in accordance with this invention may be employed in anyconnection for which it is found applicable, and the invention has forits object to provide an article of the class referred to, in a manneras hereinafter set forth to automatically permit of the contents of thetube to be discharged when pressure is applied to the latter and toautomatically cut-oil the expelled part of the tube contents and toautomatically close the discharge end of the tube when pressure isrelieved upon the latter.

Further objects of the invention are to provide, in a. manner ashereinafter set forth a combined tube closing and outlet cap for thepurpose referred to which is simple in its construction, strong,durable, compact. readily installed with respect to the discharge end ofthe tube, automatic in its action to permit of discharge from and forclosing the discharge end of the tube, thoroughly efficient in its use,and inexpensive to manufacture.

To the above ends essentially and to others which may hereinafterappear, the invention consists of such parts and such combination ofparts as fall Within the scope of the invention as claimed.

In the drawing:--

Figure 1 is a side elevation of a collapsible tube having the dischargeend thereof provided with a combined closing and outlet cap inaccordance with this invention.

Figure 2 is a vertical sectional view of the cap,

Figure 3 is an inverted plan of the cap,

Figure 4 is a vertical sectional view of the cap and tube, the cap beingattached to the neck of the tube and in position for closing the openingfor the discharge of the contents of the tube,

Figure 5 is a view similar to Figure 4 with the cap in position toconstitute an outlet for the contents of the tube,

Figure 6 is a disassembled View of the cap body and sealing disc, and

Figure 7 is a vertical sectional view of the cap taken at right anglesto Figure 2.

The drawing illustrates a collapsible tube 6, formed of a body I, closedat one end, as at 8, and having its other end constituting a breast 9,which terminates in a peripherally threaded annular neck Ill. The latterat its outer end has its inner face formed integral with a fiat disc II, provided with a diametrically disposed slot I2 constituting a passagefor the contents of the tube 6 when pressure is applied to the latter.The slot I2 provides for the contents of the tube 6 to be dischargedtherefrom in ribbon-like-form. The threads on neck ID are designated I3.5

As is generally well known, a collapsible tube of the type referred toincludes a removable cap, not shown, which engages with the neck III forclosing the slot I2. When the contents of the tube are to be used, thecap is removed and pres- 10 sure is applied to the tube for the purposeof expelling a part of the contents of the latter through slot I2. Afterthe expelled part has been utilized, the cap is restored to its positionon neck ID to close slot I2. Now with respect to the cap, in ac- 5cordance with this invention, it forms a permanent part of the tube, andwhen it is desired to expel a part of the contents of the tube, it isnot necessary to remove the cap, as the latter automatically functionsto provide a closure for the discharge end of thetube and anautomatically opening and closing outlet for the contents of the tube.

The cap in accordance with this invention may be an original part of thetube, or the latter may be set up with the ordinary form of cap which isto be removed by the user of the contents of the tube and the cap inaccordance with this invention substituted. Preferably the cap as hereinset forth will form an original and permanent part of the tube and beformed with a removable or severable sealing agent to be referred to fortemporarily closing the outlet provided by the cap.

The cap, in accordance with this invention, and generally indicated atI4, includes a resil-fi ient body I5 of a rubber formed of a hollowcoupling portion I6 of uniform outer diameter, a hollow tapered portionI1 and a flat outer end portion l8 of disc-like form integral with theinner face and flush with the end edge of portion H8. The portion I'Iprovides a receiver or chamber which is normally closed at its outer endby the portion I 8. The inner face of .portion I6 is threadedthroughout. The body I5 is formed with a pair of spaced paralleloppositely disposed segmental parts I9, 20 lengthwise thereof extendingfrom the inner end of portion I6 to the outer end of portion II. Theinner faces of parts I9, 20 are straight or perpendicular with respectto the axis of the cap. That portion of each of the parts I9, 20 fonnedby the portion I'I gradually decreases in width from the portion I6 tothe portion I8. The body I5 is also formed with a pair of spacedoppositely 5 disposed segmental parts 2|, 22 extending from the innerend of portion IE to the outer end of portion I'I, having oppositelycurved inner faces. That portion of each of parts 2|, 22 formed by theportion slopes inwardly from the portion' Hi to the portion I8. Theparts 2|, 22 are ofless thickness than that of and are alternatelydisposed with respect to the parts I9, 20. The setting up of the partsI9, 20, 2| and 22 in the manner as referred to provides the interior ofbody l of substantially oval contour. The portion l8 at its center isformed with a normally closed slot 23 disposed diametrically thereof.The portion I8 is of less thickness than the portions l6 and I1.Arranged within the body I5 is a pair of oppositely disposed ribs 24, 25which are arranged in endwise opposed alignment and gradually decreasein width towards each other, The ribs are arranged at right angles tothe slot 23, are integral with the lower face of portion l8 and havetheir larger ends integral with the inner faces of the parts 2|, 22. Theribs have their smaller ends arranged substantially at the sides of slot23. The ribs are disposed at a diametric center of portion i8.

The chamber provided by portions l1 and I8 'is designated 26' and whenthe body part 1 of tube 6 is collapsed the contents of the tube will beforced into said chamber.

The manner of setting up the parts I9, 20 and ribs 24 relative to theparts 2|, 22 and portion l8, provide, when the portion I6 is secured tothe neck In, for the side walls of slot 23 to abut throughout for thepurpose of closing the latter and whereby body I5 will appear as isshown in Figure 4. When pressure is applied to tube 6 for the purpose ofexpelling the contents thereof, the latter acting against portion l8will distend it in the manner as shown in Figure 5 whereby the sideWalls'of the slot are spread apart to form an outlet for the materialfrom the tube. When pressure is relieved upon the tube, the side wallsof slot 23 will move to abutting relation thereby cutting off theexpelled material which is outwardly of portion l8. Due to theresiliency of body I5 and the inner contour of portion l6 when thelatter is applied to neck II] for permanent connection thereto, a pullwill be exerted on parts I9, 20 when portion I6 is made to snuglyencompass throughout said neck I0, and this action causes the side wallsof the slot 23 to be held in abutting relation until pressure is appliedagainst the inner face of portion H3.

The cap has a part thereof provided with a removal seal 26 in the formof a thin disc 21, which is molded to the outer face of portion I8whereby the slot 23 in the latter is sealed. When it is desired by theuser to have access to the contents of the tube, the seal 26 is removedpermanently from portion Hi.

What I claim is:

l. A combined closing and outlet cap for'collapsible tubes of that typeincluding a neck having a discharge slot for the contents of the tube, ahollow resilient body open at its inner end and having its outer end inthe form of a thin disc provided with a diametrically disposed normallyclosed slot automatically opening on the application of pressure againstthe inner face of the disc to provide an outlet for the contents of thetube, and automatically closing on the relieving of pressure on theinner face of the disc, said body including a part for encompassing andpermanent connection to the neck to the tube and a part extendedoutwardly from the said other part and merging into the disc, said partsproviding the walls of the cap, the said outer part in connection withthe disc providing a chamber for the reception of material expelled fromthe tube on the collapsing of the latter, that part of said bodyconnected with the neck having means to provide for the automaticclosing of said outlet on the relieving of pressure against the innerface of said disc.

2. A combined closing and outlet cap for collapsible'tubes of that typeincluding a neck having a discharge slot for the contents of the tube, ahollow resilient body open at its inner end and having its outer end inthe form of a thin disc provided with a diametrically disposed normallyclosed slot automatically opening on the application of pressure againstthe inner face of the disc to provide an outlet for the contents of thetube, and automatically closing on the relieving of pressure on theinner face of the disc, said body including a part for permanentconnection to the neck of the tube and a part for extension from theneck to provide in connection with said disc a chamber for the receptionof material expelled from the tube on the collapsing of the latter, saidbody being formed with oppositely disposed spaced segmental partslengthwise thereof having straight inner faces and oppositely disposedendwise opposed tapered ribs on the inner face of said disc, said ribsand segmental parts coacting to provide for the automatic closing ofsaid outlet on the relieving of pressure against/the inner face of saiddisc.

3. A combined closing and outlet cap for collapsible tubes of that typeincluding a neck having a discharge slot for the contents of the tube, ahollow resilient body open at its inner end and having its outer end inthe fprm of a thin disc provided with a diametrically disposed normallyclosed slot automatically opening on the application of pressure againstthe inner face of the disc to provide an outlet for the contents of thetube and automatically closing on the relieving of pressure on the innerface of the disc, said body including, an inner part for ecompassing andpermanent connection to the neck of the tube and a tapered hollow outerpart extending outwardly from the said other part terminating in saiddisc and providing in connection with the latter a chamber for thereception of material from the tube on the collapsing of the latter,said parts forming the side wall of the cap, said inner part havingmeans coacting with the outer part to provide for the automatic closingof said outlet on the relieving of pressure against the inner face onthe discontinuing of the collapsing application to the tube.

4. A combined closing and outlet cap for collapsible tubes of that typeincluding a neck having a discharge slot for the contents of the tube, ahollow resilient body open at its inner end and having its outer end inthe form of a thin disc provided with a diametrically disposed normallyclosed slot automatically opening on the application of pressure againstthe inner face of the disc to provide an outlet for the contents of thetube, and automatically closing on the relieving of pressure on theinner face of the disc, said body including a part for permanentconnection to the neck of the tube and a tapered part terminating insaid disc and providing in connection with the latter a chamber for thereception of the material on the application of a collapsing action onthe tube, and said body being formed with oppositely disposed spacedsegmental parts lengthwise thereof having straight inner faces andoppositely disposed endwise opposed tapered ribs on the inner face ofsaid disc, said ribs and segmental parts coacting to provide for theautomatic closing of said outlet on the relieving of pressure againstthe inner face of said disc.

' 5. A cap for the purpose set forth comprising a hollow one-pieceresilient body open at its inner end and having its outer end in theform of a disc provided with a slot, said body having oppositelydisposed spaced segmental parts lengthwise thereof terminating at theirouter ends in said disc and formed with straight inner faces andoppositely disposed spaced segmental parts lengthwise thereofalternately disposed with respect to said other parts terminating insaid disc and having curved inner faces with the forward portionsthereof sloping inwardly, and endwise ribs integral with the inner faceof said disc and said curved inner faces and disposed at right angles tosaid slot.

6. A cap for the purpose set forth comprising a hollow one pieceresilient body open at its inner end and having its outer end in theform of a disc provided with a slot, said body having oppositelydisposed spaced segmental parts lengthwise thereof terminating at theirouter ends in said disc and formed with straight inner faces andoppositely disposed spaced segmental parts lengthwise thereofalternately disposed with respect to said other parts terminating insaid disc and having curved inner faces with the forward portionsthereof sloping inwardly, and endwise opposed ribs integral with theinner face of said disc and said curved inner faces and disposed atright angles to said slot, and means on said straight and curved facesrearwardly of said forward portions for permanently anchoring the cap inposition.

7. A combined closing and outlet cap for collapsible tubes of that typeincluding a neck having a discharge slot for the contents of the tube, ahollow resilient body open at its inner end and having its outer end inthe form of a thin disc provided with a diametrically disposed normallyclosed slot automatically opening on the application of pressure againstthe inner face of the disc to provide an outlet for the contents of thetube, and automatically closing on the relieving of pressure on theinner face of the disc, said body including, an inner part forencompassing and permanent connection to the neck of the tube and ahollow outer part extending from said other part beyond the neck toprovide in connection with said disc a chamber for the reception ofmaterial expelled from the tube on the collapsing of the latter, andsaid inner part having means acting upon said outer part to provide forthe automatic closing of said outlet on the relieving of pressureagainst the inner face of said disc, and a removable sealing means onthe outer face of said disc.

8. A- combined closing and outlet cap for collapsible tubes of that typeincluding a neck hav ing a discharge slot for the contents of the tube,a hollow resilient body open at its inner end and having its outer endin the form of a thin disc provided with a diametrically disposednormally closed slot automatically opening on the application ofpressure against the inner face of the disc to provide an outlet for thecontents of the tube, and automatically closing on the relieving ofpressure on the inner face of the disc, said body including a part forpermanent connection to the neck of the tube and a part for extensionfrom the neck to provide'in connection with said disc a chamber for thereception of material expelled from the tube on the collapsing of thelatter, said body being formed with oppositely disposed spaced segmentalparts lengthwise thereof having straight inner faces and oppositelydisposed endwise opposed tapered ribs on the inner face of said disc,said ribs and segmental parts coacting to provide for the automaticclosing of said outlet on the relieving of pressure against the innerface of said disc, and a removable sealing means on the outer face ofsaid disc.

9. A combined closing and outlet cap for collapsible tubes of that typeincluding a neck having a discharge slot for the contents of the tube, ahollow resilient body open at its inner end and having its outer end inthe form of a thin disc provided with a diametrically disposed normallyclosed slot automatically opening on the application of pressure againstthe inner face of the disc to provide an outlet for the contents of thetube, and automatically closing on the relieving of pressure on theinner face of the disc, said body including an inner part forencompassing and permanent connection to the neck of the tube and ahollow tapered part extending outwardly from the said other part beyondthe neck, said tapered part terminating in said disc and providing inconnection with the latter a chamber for the reception of material fromthe tube on the collapsing of the latter, and said inner part havingparts thereof coacting to provide for the automatic closing of saidoutlet on the relieving of pressure against the inner face on thediscontinuing of the collapsing application to the tube, and a removablesealing means on the outer face of said disc.

10. A combined closing and outlet cap for 001- lapsible tubes of thattype including a neck having a discharge slot for the contents of thetube, a. hollow resilient body open at its inner end and having itsouter end in the form of a thin disc provided with a diametricallydisposed normally closed slot automatically opening on the applicationof pressure against the inner face of the disc to provide an outlet forthe contents of the tube, and automatically closing on the relieving ofpressure on the inner face of the disc, said body including a part forpermanent connection to the neck of the tube and a tapered partterminating in said disc and providing in connection with the latter achamber for the reception of the material on the application of acollapsing action on the tube, and said body being formed withoppositely disposed spaced segmental parts lengthwise thereof havingstraight inner faces and oppositely disposed endwise opposed taperedribs on the inner face of said disc, said ribs and segmental partscoacting to provide for the automatic closing of said outlet on therelieving of pressure against the inner face of said disc, and aremovable sealing means on the outer face of said disc.

11. In a combined closing and outlet means for collapsible tubes ahollow resilient body having its outer end in the form of a discprovided with a normally closed slot automatically opening on theapplication of pressure against the inner face of the disc to provide anoutlet for the contents of the tube on a collapsible action upon thelatter and automatically closing on the discontinuing of such action,and endwise opposed ribs integral with the inner faces of said body anddisc and disposed diametrically of the latter.

12. In a combined closing and outlet means for collapsible tubes ahollow resilient body having its outer end in the form of a discprovided with a normally closed slot automatically opening on theapplication of pressure against the inner face of the disc to provide anoutlet for the contents of the tube on a collapsible action upon thelatter and automatically closing on the discontinuing of such action,and endwise opposed ribs integral with the inner faces of said body anddisc and disposed diametrically of the latter, and a removable sealingmeans on the outer face of the disc for said slot.

13. In a combined closing and outlet means for collapsible tubes ahollow resilient body having its outer end in the form of a, discprovided with a normally closed slot automatically opening on theapplication of pressure against the inner face of the disc to provide anoutlet for the contents of the tube on a collapsible action upon thelatter and automatically closing on the discontinuing of such action,and endwise opposed ribs integral with the inner faces of said body anddisc and disposed diametrically of the latter, and means on the innerface of said body and spaced from the disc for connecting the cap to theneck of the tube.

14. In a combined closing and outlet means for collapsible tubes ahollow resilient body having its outer end in the form of a discprovided with a normally closed slot automatically opening on theapplication of pressure against the inner face of the disc to provide anoutlet for the contents of the tube on a collapsible action upon thelatter and automatically closing on the discontinuing of such action,and endwise opposed ribs integral with the inner faces of said body anddisc and disposed diametrically of the latter, and a removable sealingmeans on the outer face of the disc for said slot.

15. In a combined closing and outlet means for collapsible tubes ahollow resilient body having its outer end in the form of a discprovided with a normally closed slot automatically opening on theapplication of pressure against the inner face of the disc to provide anoutlet for the contents of the tube on a collapsible action upon thelatter and automatically closing on the discontinuing of such action,and endwise opposed ribs integral with the inner faces of said body anddisc and disposed diametrically of the latter, and means on the innerface of said body and spaced from the disc for connecting the cap to theneck of the tube, the inner face of said body being formed with straightand inwardly inclined parts alternately disposed with respect to eachother, positioned outwardly with respect to said means and terminatingin said disc, and said ribs being integral with said inclined parts.

16. In a combined closing and outlet means for collapsible tubes ahollow resilient body having a closed outer end in the form of a thindisc-like part provided with a normally closed slot automaticallyopening and closing respectively for discharge and to prevent dischargerespectively on the application and relieving of pressure against andfrom the inner face of said part, said body including an inner orcoupling part having its inner face in the form of a pair'of opposedspaced parallel straight surfaces and a pair of oppositely disposedcurved surfaces connected to the ends of said straight surfaces, saidinner part open at its inner end, a tapered outer part extendedoutwardly from said inner part and terminating at its outer end in themarginal portion throughout of the inner face of said disc-like partadiacent said slot, the said parts forming the side walls of said body,and the said tapered part and disc-like part forming a chamber betweenthe inner or coupling part and the disc-like part.

17. In a combined closing and outlet means for collapsible tubes ahollow resilient body having a closed outer end in the form of a thindisclike part provided with a normally closed slot automatically openingand closing respectively for discharge and to prevent dischargerespectively on the application and relieving of pressure against andfrom the inner face of said part, said body including an inner orcoupling part having its inner face in the form of a pair of opposedspaced parallel straight surfaces and a pair of oppositely disposedcurved surfaces connected to the ends of said straight surfaceasaidinner part open at its inner end, a tapered outer part extendedoutwardly from said inner part and terminating at its outer end in themarginal portion throughout of the inner face of said disclike partadjacent said slot, the said parts forming the side walls of said body,the said tapered part and disc-like part forming a chamber between theinner or coupling part and the disclike part, and a pair of oppositelytapered oppositely extending ribs integral with the inner face of saiddisc-like part and the inner face of said tapered part.

18. In a combined closing and outlet means for collapsible tubes, ahollow resilient body having a closed outer end in the form of adisc-like part having a normally closed slot automatically opening andclosing respectively for discharge and to prevent discharge respectivelyon the application and relieving of pressure against and from the innerface of said part, said body having a tapered part merging at its outerend into the marginal portion throughout of the inner face of saiddisc-like part, said body having a cou-' pling part therefor merging atits outer end into the inner end of said tapered part, said couplingpart being formed with means coacting with the said other parts forautomatically closing the slot when the inner face of the disc-like partis relieved of pressure, and said tapered part and disc-like partcoacting to provide a chamber outwardly of said coupling part.

19. In a combined closing and outlet means for collapsible tubes,ahollow resilient body having a closed outer end in the form of adisc-like part having a normally closed slot automatically opening andclosing respectively for discharge and to prevent discharge respectivelyon the application and relieving of pressure against and from the innerface of said part, said body having a tapered part merging at its outerend into the marginal portion throughout of the inner'face of saiddisc-like part, said body having a coupling part therefor merging at itsouter end into'the inner end of said tapered part, said coupling partbeing formed with means coacting with the said other parts forautomatically closing the slot when the inner face of the disc-like partis relieved of pressure, said tapered part and disc-like part coactingto provide a chamber outwardly of said coupling part, and said bodyhaving ribs integral with the inner face of said disc-like part and saidtapered part,

HARRY A. THORNTON.

